Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired the first meeting of the Committee on Cotton Crop Production Enhancement, constituted on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Food Security, Federal Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, along with all relevant stakeholders, participated in the meeting. The committee's primary focus was on the immediate steps needed to increase cotton production, as Pakistan’s cotton decreased significantly. The meeting involved extensive discussions, with stakeholders providing valuable insights and recommendations. Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), Dr. Zafar briefed the participants on the current cotton production scenario. Dr. Zafar and other participating highlighted several pressing issues, including the lack of high-quality seeds, absence of proper area zoning, insufficient research on GMO seeds, discriminatory tax policies, undocumented cotton production, and the need for better awareness campaigns. Stakeholders emphasized promoting those crops that allow early cotton sowing, with examples given of onions and mustard. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain assured all participants that their feedback would be incorporated into the final report. He reiterated that the committee's primary goal is the effective implementation of strategies to maximize cotton production. Federal Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to addressing all concerns raised during the meeting, ensuring a comprehensive approach to revitalizing Pakistan’s cotton sector.
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